Focal radiation, a method for inducing structural modifications in the immature rat brain

✍ Scribed by Pulliam, James A. ;Glasser, Stanley R.

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1964
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 813 KB
• Volume: 149
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0003-276X
• DOI: 10.1002/ar.1091490407

✦ Synopsis

A new and relatively simple technique for conducting developmental neurology experiments is described. This technique consists of subjecting rats less than four days in age to a collimated source of external beta radiation that can be directed to selected parts of the brain. Use of this method yields the following advantages: ( 1 ) the size relationshfps of the parts of the brain can be altered, (2) bilateral asymmetry of the cerebrum, and/or cerebellum can be produced, ( 3 ) chronic functional defects which develop as the rat develops can be obtained, (4) the experimenter may selectively destroy any site in the brain provided that it is superficial enough, and ( 5 ) foci of epilation appear on the scalp and serve as markers. The limitations of this method are also discussed.